Commissioner's Corner: Ben Malik
February in Cocoa Beach means we huddle in our jackets, sweaters (and the dreaded full suits for those hardy souls out surfing, I for one am very picky before I will don the neoprene to go surfing in the winter, it better be really good!) as the occasional cold front that passes our way, to me it is yet another reminder of how fortunate we are as we see blizzard conditions in other parts of our country! My family and I spent part of the Christmas holiday in South Florida with some family members and by the second day, we longed for the relaxed pace of Cocoa Beach (there is nothing like the serenity of our beaches and our hometown!). Something to be said for small town beach life!
Recently I attended a Brevard County Commission meeting with our Mayor Tim Tumulty, Commissioner Mike Miller and our Economic Development Director, Melissa Byron regarding an agenda item to disband CRA’s in our region (the motion failed, FYI but remember come this November as some County Commission seats have termed out to support candidates that have a basic understanding of economics and how CRA’s work!). CRA’s are proven economic engines that benefit the entire region not just the district itself with rising property values and economic investment. People are desirous to live/visit near a shopping/dining/arts district for all to enjoy. This creates demand for nearby housing/tourism/redevelopment and infill of vacant land. The benefit of CRA’s are verified with quantified property valuations outside of the CRA areas in addition to the defined CRA district. I must also add, I am really proud of the professional decorum of our Cocoa Beach Commission meetings, everyone has the right to speak at our meetings and while we may not agree on every issue, all residents/fellow commissioners/staff are treated with respect.
Remember we are all residents of Cocoa Beach, we see each other at the local stores, dining in our local restaurants, going to church, and some of us also have to wait in the “traffic” on Minutemen to drop off/pick up our children as the Minutemen storm water/street scape project is underway, and we all love our community!
Thank you for your support and allowing me to serve as your Commissioner, please feel free to contact me with any suggestions at bmalik@cityofcocoabeach.com or my cell at 321-794-6668.
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